Bethany Brunsell, from the St. Paul Fire Department, explains how a stovetop fire suppressor works during District 10's Safety Fair on April 1.
The Truth About Saint Paul's Bike Plan
St. Paul is adding more paint and paths to make bicycling safer, more accessible, and more useful for more riders. This week's Sunday Series presentation looks at project timelines and what the bike plan specifically does and does not envision for District 10. Special focus is on the Grand Round on Wheelock Parkway, through Como Park, and along Como Ave. "The Truth About Saint Paul's Bike Plan" takes place this Sunday, April 10, from 1-2:30 p.m., at the Como Park Streetcar Station. It's free.
  • Next week's installment, on Sunday April 17, is "Garbage 101." We'll look at how trash, recycling, and composting are constantly changing as St. Paul and Ramsey County move toward zero waste. Definitely included: discussion of St. Paul's look into organized trash collection.
Here Are the Candidates for D10 Elections
Thirteen neighbors are running for eight positions on the District 10 board. Check out our website for details about the candidates, and for the information you need about voting on April 19.
Only One Week Left
You've got until next Sunday, April 17, to take our quick survey and help us identify intersections in District 10 that are the most dangerous for pedestrians to cross. Later this year, we will hold "safety events" at some of these intersections as part of the Stop for Me campaign -- a citywide pedestrian safety campaign organized by district councils, St. Paul Police, and St. Paul Smart Trips.
Neighborhood Garage Sale is a 'Go'
The annual Como Neighborhood Garage Sale takes place Saturday May 14. If you want to participate this year, now's the time to register. The registration fee is still only $15 (paybable through PayPal). We'll produce a map and listing of registered participants, so shoppers know how find you and what they'll find when they get there.
Sweeping Winter Away
As the weather cooperates, St. Paul Public Works will begin sweeping the winter grit and gravel off District 10 streets. Some streets -- primarily west and south of Como Park -- are scheduled for next week, April 11-15. Most District 10 streets are scheduled for the following week, April 18-22. No parking will be allowed on sweeping days; signs will be posted at least 24 hours in advance. See an up-to-date map of when your street is scheduled.

In case you didn't know: It is illegal to sweep leaves, grass, or other debris into the street. Violators can be ticketed. Debris -- especially leaves and lawn clippings that enter the storm drain -- pollute Como Lake and the Mississippi River. Instead, you can drop off yard waste for free at Ramsey County compost sites.
ComoFest Plans Something New This Year
There will be more to ComoFest in 2016, with family fun and events not just one weekend, but every weekend in July.  
A Different Way to Get Healthy at the Park
Student pharmacists from the University of Minnesota will answer questions and provide information about prescription medications, vitamins, supplements, and how they affect your health in such areas as diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, and arthritis. The free " Ask a Student Pharmacist" event is this Tuesday, April 12, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at North Dale Community Center, 1414 N. St. Albans.
For Once, Time is on Your Side
Eurkea Recycling has extended the deadline to order a Zero Waste Party Kit. You've now got until next Friday, April 15, at 5 p.m. to order plates, napkins, cups, and utensils. All of them can be composted, which means they won't end up in the landfill. Order here  
German Immersion School Seeks Board Candidates
The Twin Cities German Immersion School is seeking three candidates for its nine-member school board. By state law, at least one board member must be a community member who is not employed by the school or have children at the school. The application is available online; the deadline is April 29. 
Want to Have More Influence?  
Next Sunday, April 17, is the deadline to submit an application for vacancies on 19 St. Paul commissions, including the Board of Zoning Appeals, Planning Commission, Neighborhood and Cultural STAR programs, Board of Water Commissioners, and even the organization that oversees the Cafesjian Carousel in Como Park. You can find the complete list and the commissions' duties online.
Help the Bookmobile Celebrate
Next Wednesday, April 13, is National Bookmobile Day. You can help the St. Paul Public Library's Bookmobile celebrate when it stops in our neighborhood on Wednesday. It will be at Victoria and Nevada from 5-7 p.m.
Take Your Video Skills to the Next Level   
Next Friday, April 15, is the deadline to apply for the Saint Paul Neighborhood Network's Doc U training program. During the 16-week mentorship program, participants will learn the nuts, bolts, and nuances of crafting a 10-minute video documentary on a topic of their choice. Classes run Thursday evenings from 6-9 p.m. between June 2 and Sept. 17. The training is free.
What If We Actually Talk (Part 2)?
The Wilder Community Center on Aging is looking for a few teenagers and a few seniors to engage in small-group conversations about race and culture. Participants will seek common bonds as they talk about their experiences, ideas, interests, and concerns.
 
The conversations take place for four Saturday mornings, from 10-11:30 a.m., on April 16, 23, 30, and May 7. Participants will meet at the Wilder Center, 650 Marshall Ave. The free "Intergenerational Dialogue Series" even includes lunch. To sign up or for more information, contact Lisa by email or phone, 651-774-2220.
They Do Windows  
The Preservation Alliance of Minnesota wants to help out do-it-yourselfers in older homes. So they've scheduled Saturday classes this month on repairing old windows, painting old windows, or rehabbing a porch. Classes cost between $42 and $60. Get all the details online.
You Can't Say We Didn't Tell You
  • This Sunday, April 10: Second Sunday Concert featuring vocalist David Kozisek. 2-3 p.m., Newman-Benson Chapel at Lyngblomsten, 1415 Almond Ave. Free and open to the public.
  • This Monday, April 11: Deadline to submit Mini Grant applications to the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization for clean water and habitat projects.
  • This Thursday, April 14: District 10 Neighborhood Relations and Safety Committee. 6:30 p.m., Como Park Streetcar Station, northeast corner of Lexington and Horton. Community members are always welcome to attend.
  • Tuesday April 19: Como Park High School Parent and Community Council meeting. 6-7:30 p.m. at the school, 740 W. Rose Ave. The main topic: Submitting a plan to the school district to upgrade Como's athletic facilities.
  • Friday April 22-Sunday April 24: St. Paul Art Crawl includes Front Ave. Pottery, 895 Front Ave.
  • Saturday April 23: 30th annual St. Paul Citywide Cleanup. 9-11:30 a.m., Como Park and six other locations. Also, Ramsey County sponsors its annual Earth Day Cleanup at four county parks.
  • Sunday April 24: District 10 Clean Energy Forum. 1-2:30 p.m., Como Park Streetcar Station.
  • Saturday May 21: Como Park Neighborhood Seed and Seedling Share. 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Como Park Streetcar Station
Crime Prevention Tip of the Week
Auto break-ins are a crime of opportunity. "Don't leave anything visible in your car. If they see it, they'll take it," says Pam McCreary, crime prevention specialist for the St. Paul Police Department's Western District. Just hiding something in your trunk is not good enough, McCreary says. Whenever possible, take new purchases home before you continue shopping.

If that's not possible, hide things in your trunk before you park at your next destination, she says. Taking valuables -- such as phones, computers, purses, packages, and gym bags -- out of the passenger compartment and putting them in the trunk after you've arrived only lets opportunistic thieves see exactly what you're trying to hide.
 
The Latest Crime Report for Our Neighborhood
Beware of the Barricades
Chatsworth St. will be closed beginning this Monday, April 11, as reconstruction of the roadway begins. Workers will begin at Como Ave. and work south toward Front Ave. The project is expected to take 4-6 weeks, depending on weather. Looking ahead:
  • Reconstruction of Van Slyke Ave. begins June 9, after school is out.
  • Work on Phase 2 of the neighborhood RSVP project goes out to bid on May 4. Streets in that phase include Churchill and West Como Blvd. north of Horton; Jessamine between Chatsworth and Lexington; Rose between Como Ave. and Grotto; and Kilburn, Ryde, Colne, and Milton south of Como. Construction is likely to begin in June and last through August.
  • Lexington Ave. Last week, we gave you a heads-up about the months of lane closures on the Highway 5 bridge between St. Paul and the airport. Now, it turns out, we don't even need to go that far to run into construction. South Lexington Parkway has two projects under way that are restricting lanes. Ramsey County is working on the intersection of Lexington and Randolph through the end of the month. Farther south, Xcel Energy has part of Lexington ripped up between Albion and Montreal/W. 7th, likely through next Friday, April 15.
At the Fairgrounds
  • This Saturday, April 9: Dog Olympics, AgStar Arena, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • On both April 9 and 10, it's the Gopher State Timing Association's 60th Annual Rod & Customs Spectacular, in the Warner Coliseum. (Yes, inside.) The event runs 9 a.m.-9 p.m. on Saturday, and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday.
Spread the Word
District 10 is one of Saint Paul's 17 citizen participation districts. The District 10 Como Community Council is a nonprofit organization, governed by a Board of Directors who are elected by members of the community. The Council's mission is to inform, educate, and connect the neighborhood to increase community pride and confidence. 

You are receiving this email because you expressed interest in District 10 activities.